Whether it is a motor vehicle accident on Highway 99, a pedestrian accident downtown, a hazardous property feature at a local business, or some other incident, there are many ways in which a person can become injured or killed as a result of another party’s negligence.
When negligence causes the death of another, certain surviving family members may benefit from filing a Bakersfield wrongful death action. However, doing so can be legally challenging and emotionally taxing. An experienced wrongful death attorney from Colvin Accident Lawyers could provide crucial information and services to help you navigate this complex legal process.
In California, a wrongful death action can be used by the family members of a deceased individual to seek compensation for the financial and psychological costs associated with the loss. This action is typically taken against a relevant insurance policy held by the at-fault party, such as the auto insurance policy of the driver responsible for a motor vehicle accident, or a property insurance policy held by a business where a fatal accident occurred due to an unmitigated property hazard. Family members eligible to file a wrongful death action in Bakersfield include:
It is important to note that eligible family members of the deceased do not necessarily have to be related by blood. Stepchildren and others related to the decedent by marriage may also qualify in certain cases.
Bakersfield wrongful death actions can seek two types of compensation. Economic damages refer to compensation for the financial losses experienced by the deceased’s family members, such as the loss of gifts, inheritance, and financial support they would have received if their loved one had survived, the value of household services that were provided by the deceased, and the costs of a funeral service and burial or cremation.
Claimants can also seek compensation for non-economic losses they experienced as a result of their loved one’s wrongful death, such as loss of the decedent’s love, moral support, affection, training, or guidance.
Like most states, California requires wrongful death actions to be filed in court within a certain period of time, known as the statute of limitations. In most wrongful death cases, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the decedent’s death. An experienced Bakersfield lawyer could ensure your legal options remain open and help you file your wrongful death case within the statute of limitations.
Losing a loved one because of someone else’s negligence is an extremely traumatic experience, often resulting in significant financial and emotional losses for surviving family members. Let the legal team at Colvin Accident Lawyers help you with filing a Bakersfield wrongful death action and seeking compensation during this difficult time. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
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